Thread: Purple/White-Brown Mallee Hybrid handle.

Just finished turning a handle for a fellow member here. This is a Christmas gift for his wife. I turned it from a hybrid blank, pretty typical of most you see out there. This blank I bought off the classifieds here a while back, can't remember who i bought them from tho. The last hybrid handle I turned I sanded up to 2500 grit, and then buffed it on the buffing wheels. One thing I didn't like about that finish was, although the Alumilite (Plastic) part looked really good, the wood was kinda dull with no real dimension. This time around I decided to sand only to 1000 grit, and then applied a coat of Linseed oil to really pop the wood. My plan was to apply 3 coats of linseed oil every 2 days, and then buff after the third coat. What I didn't expect is how much I like the way it looks in it's current state. It has a nice satin look to it.

What do you guys think of it???? Opinions please.

Thank you Andrew for taking the time to document the process.

Looks very nice. If it was mine, id want more shine. Of course i wouldnt have a clue how to make it happen on something like that.
Still very cool.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Looks very nice. If it was mine, id want more shine. Of course i wouldnt have a clue how to make it happen on something like that.
Still very cool.

Thanks for the input. Ya, so once I have the 3 coats of Linseed oil on, I can buff it and it will finish with a pretty high shine. It's funny, most people prefer a higher gloss finish. Lately, I've been into the softer feeling look like it is now. But hey, it's not mine so I'm looking forward to the owner giving his input.

I am not sure how durable the linseed finish is. If it is good to go then I would tend to be happier with the satin look, because in my mind glossy means slippery. I already drop enough stuff. It looks good now. There is a lot of depth to the colour and grain, which is the only reason I go gloss is for the depth of finish.

The finish looks great as is, IMO Andrew. Terrific shape as well.

Presuming it was a stabilized blank before being added to the alumilite it's got a great grain and sheen.
Looks like they used the alumilite white as the base in that blank and added the colour to it.
Very cool effect.
From my own limited experiments I have learned the different alumilite compounds have different duro and final finish potentials.
I see the alumilite-res products being good for scales and wedges, but personally will only really use the water clear alumilite formula for turnings in my own shop. Harder duro, better response to the lathe tools and slower cure all work better for handles I find.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I am not sure how durable the linseed finish is. If it is good to go then I would tend to be happier with the satin look, because in my mind glossy means slippery. I already drop enough stuff. It looks good now. There is a lot of depth to the colour and grain, which is the only reason I go gloss is for the depth of finish.

Shaun, I think the Linseed oil will hold up as well as anything. I mean, it was used over the last century for gun stocks and tool handles. It's the amount of coats that counts. Even Casey Tru oils base is linseed oil. I agree tho, I really like the way it looks now.

Mike, I'm not sure if the wood would have been stabilized first or not. It's brown mallee, so I would imagine it does have some natural oils that will help against decay. Even if not, I can see white and purple all through the pours of the wood which is a good thing.

The hole alumilite thing I'm not sure I want to start into. Seems like it could be an investment that might get expensive. Especially for someone like me who wont want to do the same colors more than 2 or 3 times. On the other hand, making my own custom blanks sure would be cool!! I'll wait until you have it down to muscle memory and then maybe I might come look over your shoulder.

As usual, another fine looking handle there Andrew

You sure have some talent and I also like it the way it is now. But as you said, it's up to the owner.
And seriously the color and wood look great together. It's kind of like a BORG brush handle


But to me, the finish where it is now is about perfect to my taste

Another terrific looking handle, Andrew. It's always a treat to see your production from start to finish. Great job.

Lovely work once again Andrew and great shape!